been in a frivolous, sportive, gay frame of thought and spirits.  There is, perhaps, in this view of their conduct and demeanor, something to justify the belief that they were really demented.  The fact that a large amount of skilful art and adroit cunning was displayed by them is not inconsistent with the supposition that they had become partially insane; for such cunning and art are often associated with insanity.

The quick wit and ready expedients of the “afflicted children” are very remarkable.  They were prompt with answers, if any attempted to cross-examine them, extricated themselves most ingeniously if ever brought into embarrassment, and eluded all efforts to entrap or expose them.  Among the papers is a deposition, the use of which at the trials is not apparent.  It does not purport to bear upon any particular case.  Joseph Hutchinson was a firm-minded man, of strong common sense.  He could not easily be deceived; and, although he took part in the proceedings at the beginning, soon became opposed to them.  It looks as if, by close questions put to the child, Abigail Williams, on some occasion of his casually meeting her, he had tried to expose the falseness of her accusations, and that he was made to put the conversation into the shape of a deposition.  It is as follows:—­

“THE DEPOSITION OF JOSEPH HUTCHINSON, aged fifty-nine years, do testify as followeth:  “Abigail Williams, I have heard you speak often of a book that has been offered to you.  She said that there were two books:  one was a short, thick book; and the other was a long book.  I asked her what color the book was of.  She said the books were as red as blood.  I asked her if she had seen the books opened.  She said she had seen it many times.  I asked her if she did see any writing in the book.  She said there were many lines written; and, at the end of every line, there was a seal.  I asked her, who brought the book to her.  She told me that it was the black man.  I asked her who the black man was.  She told me it was the Devil.  I asked her if she was not afraid to see the Devil.  She said, at the first she was, and did go from him; but now she was not afraid, but could talk with him as well as she could with me.”

There is an air of ease and confidence in the answers of Abigail, which illustrates the promptness of invention and assurance of their grounds which the girls manifested on all occasions.  They were never at a loss, and challenged scrutiny.  Hutchinson gained no advantage, and no one else ever did, in an encounter with them.

Whatever opinion may be formed of the moral or mental condition of the “afflicted children,” as to their sanity and responsibility, there can be no doubt that they were great actors.  In mere jugglery and sleight of hand, they bear no mean comparison with the workers of wonders, in that line, of our own day.  Long practice had given them complete control over their countenances, intonations of voice,